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CHOOSE
KENYA
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FROM THE RING LEADER NERVE CENTER Management • Articles Ring Leader a.k.a Okwi Okoh Rubix a.k.a Jeri Furahah Admin • Logistics • Accounting • Marketing Iron Lady a.k.a Elsie Mwongeli Smooth Operator a.k.a Wycliffe Ajwang’ Photography Sharp Shooter a.k.a Mwangi Kirubi Marksman a.k.a Wagema Munyori Web Management Spider a.k.a Wanja Ngunjiri Art Direction • Design & Layout Design Jockey a.k.a Vikki Keingati Arti San a.k.a Mark Muchura SPECIAL THANKS Our Heavenly Father Pastor Gowi Odera Pastor Linda Ochola-Adolwa Robert Keingati Manze! Alan Hicks Just A Band Ciku Mugwe Holy Dave
Astar Kijiji Records Ritah Ramasilah Kuweni Serious Rachel Gichinga Jeffrey Kimathi of Jamhuri Wear Rockafella a.k.a Amani Maranga All our friends and family
HUMAN BEINGS don’t like change, but we seem to be pretty good at living with it. I mean that’s why we’re still here, unlike dinosaurs who seem to have just continued munching away even as a giant meteor hurtled towards earth or the climate around them changed dramatically. We’re good at living with it when we feel like we have no other choice. If the weather turns cold, we put on a sweater. If it gets hot, we break out the spaghetti tops. We just adapt. The trouble starts when change presents itself in a form that we can debate and deliberate over beforehand. Africa is changing. Call me idealistic, color me optimistic, brand me a dreamer but I can feel us adapting. Is it the number of brave new entrepreneurs blasting off into the economic stratosphere every day that’s got me excited? Or is it the rumblings of Africa’s young, middle-class awakening to their political, social, economic and spiritual responsibilities? I love the fact that it’s no longer good enough just to have some kind
tongue-spraining accent to have doors opened for you on this side of the ocean. My Kenyan brothers and sisters will be voting on a constitutional referendum in the coming days. Our humble request is: regardless of whether you vote “yes” or “no”, CHOOSE KENYA. Choose to be part of a new breed of Africans who don’t have to start sharpening things or stocking up on supplies ahead of a poll. Choose to celebrate or at least accept our differences, diverse perspectives and each other’s opinions. Choose to act based on a shared vision for our country and continent, not on rumors, phobias and prejudices. Choose to be like the host of people featured in the following pages. People who are standing up to be counted. People who are seeking the truth and not letting all the noise around them cloud the real issues at stake. God bless Kenya. And let all of Africa say amen. Ring Leader
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got WHAT WE’VE
6 BE I NSPI R E D
BE I N F O R M ED
8 TAKING ACTION
6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
Pastor Linda Ochola-Adolwa on influencing and transforming society.
A look at what’s at stake ahead of the Kenyan Referendum
10 WALKING ON WATER
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Alan Hicks holds civic education sessions
Get to know Pastor Gowi Odera.
12 VOICE OF THE YOUTH
Getting the Kenyan youth talking about the proposed constitution.
16 KUWENI SERIOUS
Fighting apathy among Kenyan youth.
ON THE
m u s ic air
12 Click here to listen to great tracks!
There’s nothing like music when it comes to getting a quick temperature reading for any society or culture. Here are a couple of tracks selected by Rubix in line with our theme: CHOOSE KENYA.
16
the
playlist
1 Kenyan National Anthem arranged by George Senoga-Zake 2 Mteja by Kanjii, Juliani, Wahu, Lynn, Wenyeji, Roba (Kalamashaka) 3 Mabadiliko by Rigga ft. Brian King 4 You Say by Kanjii 5 Usinibore by Just A Band 6 Kenyan Anthem Hip Hop Remix by Jamhuri Wear 2005
Stay tuned! All tracks have been used with the artists’ permission or sourced from reputable royalty-free sites.
| ISSUE Buy & Download Kenyan Music www.kwelimag.com 5 | JUN 10 5
7 1
Things to know about
pastor
Gowi
Can politics and faith really mix?
I think what I believe should somewhat have a positive influence in all I do, including the politics of the day. My faith is about Righteousness and Justice. Politics has everything to do with morality and justice being meted out fairly, so to attempt to ask answer your question, is, yes.
2
Why now – you going into politics?
I think the time has come. For over half my life I have dedicated my life to serving people (especially young people) in this country and round the continent. Kenya (Africa) is at a tipping point and we can tip either toward the progressive and prosperous side or tip to the road that leads to inertia and retrogression. Kenya has an unprecedented large disillusioned youth population that desperately needs to see selfless and courageous leadership modeled. Without this, I suggest that they will lose hope. And the most dangerous person is a young person without hope.
3
How do you plan to demonstrate servantleadership if you win?
I think the primary job description of an MP (though not exhaustive) is 1) to represent the interests, aspirations and concerns of his/her constituents in parliament and in other forums 2) to come up with legislation that would cater for the above and 3) to be a champion for development and progress in the constituency and the nation at large. These things are not necessarily being modeled by a majority who have occupied these positions. So servant-leadership is putting the constituents before myself. I will hope to model this by diligently doing my work, by actually showing up in parliament and being present for every vote and as much as is possible debates on the floor of the house and attending house committee meetings. I also think servant-leadership is seeking to understand that I don’t have all the answers but using the collective wisdom of constituents develop collaborative efforts to address current issues in the constituency. I also think servant leadership also involves modeling integrity, vision and courage. Ideally when people see me as their MP, I would desire that the constituents (not just those who voted for me) especially those who didn’t vote for me would say I am man of honour and integrity. A man who is an example of hard work and passion.
6 kaKWELI | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10
RUBIX WROTE IT, RING LEADER & MARKSMAN SNAPPED ‘EM
4
What is the significance of this referendum?
The general question on the street is, ‘are you yes, or no?’ I think what the common mwananchi should know is, the August 4th referendum is not yes or no, but it is asking, do you want to remain with this existing constitution with all its baggage or do you want the proposed draft with its imperfections? In the almost half century of Kenya’s existence, no generation has had this opportunity to make such a decision. I think its significance is based on the fact that it’s a document that will define how we co-exist and agree to govern ourselves for the foreseeable future. It’s a document for posterity.
5
GOWI ODERA, or ‘Pastor Gowi’ as he’s popularly known, had been involved with young people at Nairobi Baptist Church, and as Associate Director for East Africa with Youth for Christ International, long before he stepped behind the pulpit. He then served as a pastor at Nairobi Chapel for several years. In addition, he was the breakfast presenter at Power Radio, an integral part of the gospel deejaying unit K-Krew and a recording artist with Kijiji Records. Pastor Gowi recently decided to join a growing number of young
Kenyans who are tired of the status quo. He’s taken it a step further than most however, leaving full-time ministry in 2009 to go into politics. He’s preparing to run for the Westlands parliamentary seat in the 2012 general elections. KWELI spent time with Pastor Gowi when he joined us in urging Kenyans to register to vote a couple of months ago. We also hung out with him during a recent peaceful demonstration he had organized outside Parliament to protest against a proposed hike in the salaries of Kenyan MPs. ☐
What do you listen/ do to wind down?
To wind down, I may listen to some nice relaxing music, smooth jazz or just pick up a book to read and hang out with my wife.
6
What would you cook for your lovely wife if you were planning a romantic dinner?
Pst Gowi Odera leads a “human chain” protest outside Parliament.
She loves chicken. So, I would definitely whip up one of my special secret recipes. If I tell you what it is, it won’t be special and I would have to kill you.
7
What is YOUR vision 2030?
I dream of a Kenya where every child born would have an equal chance and an enabling environment to reach their full potential. I dream of a Kenya where justice and the rule of law reigns supreme. I dream of a Kenya where we are not defined by our last names or Kinship but by the content of one’s character. I dream of a Kenya where things actually work, where innovation and hard work is celebrated. I dream of a Kenya that models good governance and good family morals.
Click here
to watch the human chain protest courtesy Kuweni Serious
Click here for more photos
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 7
WITH PASTOR LINDA OCHOLA-ADOLWA who is the executive pastor of Mavuno Church in Nairobi. Her passions include seeing Christians become influential in transforming society across the continent of Africa.
TAKING action
the
BOTTOM LINE
HOW do I know what is relevant? When you are making law, a useful question to ask is what mischief are you trying to curb? A lot of Kenyans are concerned about the sharing and distribution of resources. The draft provides guidelines on how this shall be accomplished. In order to achieve equitable distribution of resources, one of the key tenets of the new constitution is the centrality of devolution. Finance is the bedrock of devolution. Money is the core of the power that is being devolved. The book Not Yet Uhuru provides a background on the history of the undermining regions. It discusses how the government starved the regions of money with the intention of killing them. The chapter on public finance seeks to address how we can ensure that devolution cannot be undermined by financial
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constraints. There are 3 basic things that the chapter on public finance addresses and it does this through the design of the institutions. These are: First is the question of regional disparities in the country. The perception that certain areas and social groups have been socially excluded deliberately drives politics. The draft acknowledges historically marginalized areas in Kenya and creates an equalizing fund to address this. The most important objective is to see convergence of standards of living to all parts of the country. The equalization fund is for use in providing basic services for marginalized areas. This provision is time bound for a period of 20 years. Secondly, corruption is the largest manifestation of the failure in the management of public finances. The fundamental provision in the
draft constitution is that public finance matters must be done openly. The principle of openness creates opportunity for oversight and scrutiny. If government is trying to withhold information a citizen can site a constitutional provision and query this. An independent salaries and remuneration commission now will set up the salaries of state and public officers to address the pervasive conflict of interest in our system, for example, the ability of public officers to determine their own benefits. Third, the division of revenue process establishes a wall between the resources of the devolved government, the central government and the 3 arms of government. What this does is that it takes away the president’s power to distribute patronage in terms of development. It becomes impossible for communities to get a bigger share
based on the fact that the president comes from that community. In the proposed constitution, the senators who represent the counties are the ones to determine how their budget allocation is distributed. The national government has its budget for national issues. The principle tax base of the country, Nairobi and Mombasa, remain at the disposal of the national government. In an integrated economy you can’t assign revenues generated in certain regions to those regions of origin. What is at stake? Preceding every election there has always been an attempt to amend the constitution or actual amendment of the same. Recall the repeal of section 2a which introduced multi party elections, and the creation of the IPPG to level the playing field by including
electoral commissioners nominated by the various political parties. Other attempts were made in 2002, 2005 and 2007. We are now in a similar attempt to create a new framework ahead of 2012. What we should consider is the implications should this attempt fail. It is critical that we frame the question correctly. The question is not yes or no, but the existing constitution versus the draft with all its flaws and advantages. By way of mention, the provision of the Kadhi courts is word for word what is in the current constitution. If the draft is defeated it will mean that a section of the population is disaffected. In addition, a NO vote means political uncertainty for at least another decade. It will mean we continue to discuss politics and not economics. The existing constitution would then continue to operate with all of
its issues and in addition the entire process must start from scratch requiring fresh time and resources to be allocated to it. There may not be another impetus to do this in the next 10 years. In the immediate future, a positive outcome will be a confirmation of our integrity as a nation if we pass this draft. A critical consideration is that because the constitution is a product of human endeavor, we will not have a perfect constitution. Not to mention the fact that every one of the forty million Kenyans has his own prejudices and interests. I am indebted to Hon. Abdikadir the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee and to Dr. David Ndii for their presentations at a discussion forum hosted by the Kenya Private Alliance Sector, on the proposed constitution held on 22nd April, 2010. � www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 9
Our ‘Walking On Water’ series takes an in-depth look at the work and lives of people who are wholeheartedly following their God-given purpose.
water WALKING ON
LEFT: Alan Hicks RIGHT: Participants during the “info-session”
IT’S DUSK on May 21st, 2010 and people are slowly convening at an apartment in the Hurlingham area of Nairobi. Once the numbers have grown to his satisfaction, Allan Hicks, who is leading the evening proceedings, sets things rolling with a short introduction. Reading through the draft constitution has proved to be an uphill task for most Kenyans because of the legal jargon contained in it. This leaves people vulnerable to manipulation and paranoia born of ignorance. Allan Hicks and Steve Kilonzo, both members of Mavuno Church, decided to do something about the situation and organised a series of special “info-sessions” for several of the church’s small group leaders ahead of the referendum next month. The leaders would then be expected to replicate the exercise in their various groups. Hicks and the other organisers had ensured that there were six lawyers present - each of them experts in various areas covered in the draft constitution. There were about 40 people there, who were broken up into four groups each with their own team of legal experts to take them through certain sections of the draft constitution. After 20 minutes, the lawyers would rotate and interact with another group - guiding discussions and offering interpretation where needed. At 9 p.m., the groups had sufficiently covered the proposed charter and now that everyone was on the same page, the participants were given a chance to ask specific questions. Although the session was described by some as “an intense learning experience”, one thing is for sure: anyone who was there would make an informed decision regardless where they place their purple thumbs on August 4th.
10 kaKWELI | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10
POW THE
OF
Hi Alan, do you think the “info session” that you hosted for the Life Group* leaders was a success? Yes, our team felt it was a success on a number of fronts. First it was the first event we held for all the Life Groups (LG) leaders in our zone. Not all the leaders came but it was a start we were proud of. Secondly, we felt that such a forum made LGs relevant as opposed to a “churchy-group” that discussed “churchy” subjects like Holy Communion and the Resurrection. Kenyans all over the country are discussing the draft, so we felt it was timely and a great opportunity to dig deeper into the day-to-day lives of our fellow brethren - in a LG setting. Thirdly;
OWER
inform ation
‘EM SPIDER & RUBIX WROTE IT, MARKSMAN SNAPPED
we wanted our leaders (and indeed their LGs) to make an informed choice when they eventually vote. What kind of feedback you received from the participants? The feedback was great from BOTH the facilitators and participants. This was very important for our team. The facilitators were happy to have an opportunity to break down and explain the draft and answer questions while the participants got their lingering questions answered. To be honest we didn’t expect the facilitators to enjoy the experience that much as we were initially focused on the participants. So in the end to have both parties happy
after the experience was a pleasant surprise. To God be the glory. Do you think you achieved what you set out to do? Yes, our team felt that the evening was a success as people left a lot more informed than when they came in. They might not have changed their NO to a YES or their YES to a NO; but they definitely had more information and understanding of the actual draft. Three hours on a Friday evening is not ideal time to break down the whole draft; so our team was really happy to set up opportunities for the facilitators to go to some specific LGs to do the same and more.
As the referendum draws close, any final words? We all feel that a lot of the stances being taken by many citizens are really not based on the actual document. So by connecting passionate facilitators with a hungry audience, we feel that we have helped a small section of Kenyan Society make a more informed choice. In closing it is important to note that this was not a PRO-YES or a PRO-NO event. There were individuals from both sides of the divide and it was wonderful to have the discussions in a clear and civilized manner; as we know the majority of Kenyans appreciate. While it is but a drop in the ocean; my Swahili teacher once taught me “Haba na haba hujaza kibaba.” ☐
• Life Groups are Mavuno’s network of home-based small group fellowships.
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 11
YOUT
of the
MAR
12 kaKWELI | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10
TH
RKSMAN WROTE IT & SNAPPED ‘EM
CLOCKWISE: Eko Dydda leads praise & worship. Kenyan youth discuss the draft constitution. Michelle takes a call. Youth listening to a panel of experts.
TOP: Commemorative stone at the August 7th Memorial Park. ABOVE: Youth being informed and entertained. LEFT: Eko Dydda shows off his patriotic gear. www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 13
“VOICE OF THE YOUTH” was an event aimed at reeling Nairobi youth into the conversation about the Proposed Constitution and how they can already start to participate in leadership in Kenya. It was held at the August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital on July 26, 2010. Political debate shared the billing with hip-hop, poetry, spoken word and dance acts. In between performances from headlining rappers like Eko Dydda, Holy Dave, Michelle and Kamlesh, the crowd of about 300 youngsters got the chance to ask questions about the draft from a panel of experts. 14 kaKWELI | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10
The event was organized by the same crew that puts together ‘MadLove Lounge’, a monthly gig featuring Christian performers from various genres. KWELI was particularly intrigued by Ramasilah, the newest entry to Kenya’s gospel-rock scene. Top gospel DJs Johnny Celeb, Krowbar, Shock, GG and Kandee were on hand to keep the wheels spinning and heads bumping through out the afternoon. The Eagles Leadership Foundation, an organization that aims to empower and train Kenya’s youth to take up leadership positions, helped set up the panel which was made up representatives from both the “Yes” and “No” camps. ☐
LEFT TO RIGHT: MC Muhubiri Nuru Bahati MC Balozi Liz ‘God’s Child’ Pauline Njoroge Miken MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: H3 & Holy Dave, host the event Panel of experts: Steve, Mungai, Anthony, Francis and Shem Ritah Ramasilah
Click here for more photos
Click here to download the Proposed Constitution of Kenya
CHECK OUT
Mad Love Lounge & Entertainment | Facebook www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 15
“...we intend to seek out all the young people out there who are trying to make sense of all this, the youth groups, the activists, the people who read the news and get so annoyed that they write angry status updates on Facebook, the students, the guys and girls who’ve just landed their first job and have been hit hard by the realities of the economy. We want your opinions, we want your stories. We don’t know what we’ll find, we might step on a few toes, but we’ll do our best. Join Us. Kuweni Serious.” - gleaned from http://www.kuweniserious.org/about/
Click here
to watch Kuweni Serious webisodes!
16 kaKWELI | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10
LEFT TO RIGHT: Kevin ‘Makmende’ Maina mingles with the crowd Blinky Bill of Just A Band talks with a guest BELOW: Various guests at iHuB where the Kuweni Serious launch was held Webisodes and cartoon strips featured on kuweniserious.org were on display
CHECK OUT
www.kuweniserious.org
www.kwelimag.com | ISSUE 6 | JULY 10 17
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